Morning Edition newsletter
Our guide to the most important stories, analysis and insights.
Trial by Water podcast
A new investigative podcast about one of Australia’s most controversial cases.
Sunday Life
Indulge in the best ‘me time’ reading with our new digital magazine edition.
Ainslie thought her son was just like her. Then he was diagnosed with autism
Ainslie Robinson’s son didn’t really make eye contact with people and was happy playing alongside other children rather than joining in with them. All of this made sense to her: she had always been the same.
Exclusive
AI
Australia isn’t ready for the first AI-election, electoral commission warns
Australia’s top election official says deepfakes and AI-content pose unprecedented challenges to election integrity.
Deal or no deal: What Trump 2.0 could mean for our nuclear submarines
Experts say the AUKUS defence pact appeals to the volatile dealmaker, but he may try to squeeze more cash out of Australia.
These paddocks should be lush and green. Now the earth is dry and lambs are perishing
Victoria has experienced a cold start to winter. Despite that, the unusually dry weather – with low rainfalls – has farmers in the state’s west worried.
‘Just gave money to a Jew’: Seinfeld shuts down pro-Palestinian hecklers in Melbourne
The US comedy legend didn’t back down when hecklers targeted his Melbourne show, days after his Sydney performances were also interrupted.
Dutton’s claim nuclear waste would be size of Coke can ‘hard to swallow’
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is spruiking the benefits of nuclear energy, but one of his claims has left a bad taste in experts’ mouths.
‘I was pregnant when I decided to aim for the Olympics. I wasn’t done yet’
It’s Keesja Gofers’s third time competing at the Olympics, but her first as a mother. She’s not alone in her belief that parenthood has made her a better athlete.
Australia’s houseboat community is growing, but life isn’t as idyllic as you’d think
Houseboats are a popular accommodation option for holidaymakers, but long-term stays aren’t for the inexperienced or faint-hearted.
Opinion
Family
I was barely around for my kids. As a Grananny I get a second chance
I’ve worked as a diplomat in war zones across Yugoslavia and the DR Congo but nothing prepared me for how tough and reward it would be to care for infants.
Jaque Grinberg
Contributor
Exclusive
AFL 2024
Out of harm’s way: AFL’s mental health boss on drugs policy, weight ban
Dr Kate Hall, who treated AFL players with drug and mental health issues in her previous life as a clinical psychologist, says the league is focused on “harm minimisation”.
Analysis
AFL 2024
Can Clayton Oliver be great again in 2024?
Perhaps it was the randomness of rotations though it’s hard to imagine a scenario where Clayton Oliver at his pomp would have been allowed anywhere near the pine with the game on the line.
‘Top four, that’s still a big question mark’: Will the Bombers keep flying high, or crash?
The Bombers have enjoyed significant improvement and begin the run home to the finals in a strong position, but we’re about to find out if they are still the “contender” Leigh Matthews said they were a month ago.
The most liveable Melbourne suburbs you can no longer afford
Once considered affordable, these areas are now even further out of reach for home buyers.
Exclusive
Protests
What do we want? Peaceful protests
Australians are in favour of peaceful protests about the war in Gaza – not the blockading and wrecking of electorate offices.
How drought and disease in Brazil threaten Sunday brunch
Australian consumers have been warned to expect shortages of oranges and price hikes because of ongoing poor harvests in Brazil.
Breathe easy: The world’s 15 greatest rejuvenating, feel-good destinations
Whether it is down to their exhilarating outdoor activities, their deep spiritual practices or their awe-inspiring beauty, these places are guaranteed to get you feeling good.
Opinion
Ask an expert
I’m successful and well-off. Can I access my super early?
There’s no way to exclude yourself from the age pension to access you super early. But there are ways to plan, so your finances don’t rely on your super.
Paul Benson
Money contributor
Opinion
Air travel
The unexpected downside of finally experiencing business class
How am I supposed to go from proper cutlery and a flatbed to arguing over an armrest?
Thomas Mitchell
Culture reporter
WEEKEND READS
The controversial call that finally saw the Olympics stop relying on the human eye
A judge’s decision in a 1960 swimming final saw an Aussie win gold – and sounded the starting buzzer on the whiz-bang tech used at the Olympics today.
The rich used to send it their sewage, now this suburb is an oasis of creatives
Once a place where the poorest endured toxic run-off from Melbourne’s wealthy, Collingwood is reaching for an affluent, sustainable future. It’s not all smooth going.
Victoria
Nurses fought back against their union for better pay. Here’s the monster deal on the table
The leadership of the nursing and midwifery union was last month left reeling when members rejected an earlier deal they were expected to accept.
The rich used to send it their sewage, now this suburb is an oasis of creatives
Once a place where the poorest endured toxic run-off from Melbourne’s wealthy, Collingwood is reaching for an affluent, sustainable future. It’s not all smooth going.
Exclusive
Roads
How CityLink became toll giant’s best moneymaker in the world
Motorists have paid nearly $13 billion to drive on CityLink since it opened 24 years ago – and they’re going to pay billions more, with prices rising up to three times faster than inflation.
Labor branch in open revolt over ‘parachute’ candidate
The rank and file in Melbourne’s outer north are threatening to quit if they are blocked from picking a replacement for outgoing MP Maria Vamvakinou.
Only at risk ‘lying on the ground licking the road’: CFMEU fined 109k over safety issues
A Federal Court judge said the construction union’s record showed a “general disregard” for workplace laws after three officials were fined over breaches.
AFL 2024
Tom De Koning gets the better of brother Sam as the Blues tame the Cats
Barely a minute had passed on Friday night before Tom De Koning ruthlessly bullied his (not so) little brother Sam, blasting through the first of Carlton’s 21 goals.
Blues dine out on Geelong, Cats won’t ‘jump to conclusions’ on Hawkins
Carlton have stamped their authority on a disastrous Friday night for Geelong at the MCG, with Tom Hawkins injured and Patrick Dangerfield in match review trouble. The Blues won by 63 points.
Politics
Dutton goes off script, calls Albanese ‘child in a man’s body’
Attacking the prime minister in strikingly personal terms, the opposition leader vowed to override premiers opposed to nuclear power plants in their states.
Business
‘Careful who you get into bed with’: Sleeping Duck case rocks start-up sector
The mattress maker’s court trial, which resembled a real-life episode of Shark Tank, offered a rare glimpse into how the start-up sausage is made.
World
‘Bad spiral’: Feeling the heat in Ukraine, Putin turns up the temperature elsewhere on the West
Some analysts worry that Western desensitisation to Putin’s warnings, particularly about using nuclear weapons, has created a precarious situation.
Opinion
Why Dutton’s nuclear power plan is so Soviet
Peter Hartcher
Political and international editor
Explore
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Property
Essendon home owned by same family for 69 years sells for $1.59m
It was a bittersweet moment for the sellers, whose family home since 1955 was sold for some $215,000 above reserve.
They’re not a house. But these ‘mini mansions’ cost up to $250,000 more than typical Melbourne home
Cashed up downsizers and even families priced out of the housing market are driving up unit prices in these highly sought-after locations.
Good Food
Lifestyle
Bigger is better for Nadia Bartel and these Australian brands
Three designers are willing to take a risk with new stores despite a tough retail climate.
Opinion
Parenting
It’s not selfish not to want kids. It’s selfish to have them
Kerri Sackville
Columnist and author
Culture
Opinion
WordPlay
I watched it for research. So was I unsatisfied or dissatisfied with The Fall Guy?
Who says you can’t have fun with words at the multiplex?
David Astle
Crossword compiler and ABC Radio Melbourne presenter
Traveller
Drivedrive
From Our Partners
Sport
Exclusive
AFL 2024
Out of harm’s way: AFL’s mental health boss on drugs policy, weight ban
Dr Kate Hall, who treated AFL players with drug and mental health issues in her previous life as a clinical psychologist, says the league is focused on “harm minimisation”.
Kanga heartache: Surging Roos go super close to reeling in 39-point deficit
Melbourne’s season has a pulse after they scraped their way to a heart-stopping three-point victory over North Melbourne. Elsewhere, Sydney Swans made it 10 wins on the trot while Ken Hinkley was jeered at home after Port Adelaide were crunched by the resurgent Brisbane Lions.
‘Top four, that’s still a big question mark’: Will the Bombers keep flying high, or crash?
The Bombers have enjoyed significant improvement and begin the run home to the finals in a strong position, but we’re about to find out if they are still the “contender” Leigh Matthews said they were a month ago.
‘So complicated for them’: Americans don’t understand cricket - but they’re into it
It was once the most popular sport in America, but can the T20 World Cup push cricket to the forefront of US sport?
‘You’re only No.1 because Ash retired’: How Barty’s shock call changed tennis history
Ash Barty’s second – and almost certainly final – retirement two years ago not only broke Australian hearts but also unleashed a potential all-time great.
Russia v the Olympics: How hacks, bedbug scares and a fake Tom Cruise could disrupt the Games
Total meltdown or death by a thousand hacks? The Paris Games face the biggest cyber threat so far. And the fallout could reach well beyond cyberspace.
Updated
Match report
Perfect 10: Swans’ premiership charge runs straight over Giants
John Longmire’s men underlined their title credentials with their 10th win in a row after another one-sided clash between the cross-town rivals.
Have Your Say
What new TAB boss Gillon McLachlan really said – straight from the horse’s mouth
The former AFL chief may have baffled with BS when spruiking his new gambling role, but Iet me put it in plain English.
